BCC leases land for business to boost local economy

The City of Bulawayo has announced the opening of a new tender process inviting bids for the lease of several business premises across the city. This initiative is part of the local authority's efforts to enhance economic development and provide opportunities for residents and businesses to invest in the city.

The tender notice, which was published in the local media, outlines a diverse range of properties available for lease, including tuck shops, kiosks, local authority sites, petrol filling stations, service industry stands, factory shells, leased shops, social clubs, and a primary school site. The call for bids is open to individuals and organisations who are registered ratepayers in Bulawayo and have an interest in contributing to the city's development.

The advertisement, issued by Bulawayo's Town Clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, encourages qualified individuals and entities to submit their bids by 10am on 30 December 2024. “Bonafide residents of Bulawayo with interest in developing the city are encouraged to bid," said Mr. Dube.

Tender forms are available at the municipal offices, specifically Office 909, 9th Floor of Tower Block, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of US$34.50, including VAT. The bid rental or purchase price must be stated in United States dollars. The notice emphasizes that no late submissions will be accepted, and all tenders must be sealed and labeled appropriately.

Among the properties available for lease are six tuck shops located at primary schools in various suburbs, including Mgombane, Sigombe, Mtshane, Emganwini, Manondwane, and Aisleby Primary Schools. These premises are ideal for small retail operations.

In addition, the tender offers two kiosks located at the Borrow Swimming Pool and Barbourfields Stadium, both of which could serve local communities and visitors.

Also on offer are two local authority sites in Luveve and Emganwini, which can be used to establish essential services like clinics, training centres, or pre-schools.

Another notable inclusion is a petrol filling station located at Barham Green, as well as nine service industry stands in Emakhandeni, Luveve, and Cowdray Park. These stands are available for businesses such as hair salons, grinding mills, carpentry, gas retail, firewood retailing, welding, hardware stores, or tyre mending.

For those interested in manufacturing and industrial activities, six factory shells in Kelvin North are up for lease. These units can be used for various purposes, including electrical appliance repairs, key cutting, shoe repairs, tailoring, plumbing, and carpentry.

The local authority is also leasing six shops in Makokoba and Njube, alongside two social clubs located in North End. One club is dedicated to amateur sports and social activities, while the other is specifically for basketball. Finally, there is also a primary school site available for lease in Montrose.

The closing date for tenders is 10am on 30 December 2024, and all tenders must be submitted in sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the type of property being applied for. Tenders can be submitted by hand to the Municipal Buildings at Room 126, City Hall, or by mail to the Town Clerk's office at P.O. Box 591, Bulawayo.

In his announcement, Mr. Dube emphasized the transparency of the process, noting that tenders would be opened in public at the specified time and date. “Council reserves the right to accept or reject any tender, and the highest offer will not necessarily be accepted," he said.

The City of Bulawayo's move to lease these properties comes after the success of a similar initiative conducted between 2021 and 2022, which generated substantial interest from the public. Through this tender process, the local authority hopes to further stimulate local business activities and contribute to the city's growth and development.